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Tick borne relapsing fever imported into the United Kingdom
Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps
|June 1, 1985
Summary
A patient contracted tick-borne relapsing fever in Cyprus and was diagnosed in England. This case marks the first diagnosis confirmed by identifying the causative organism in bone marrow samples.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) is a zoonotic disease transmitted by ticks.
- Geographic distribution of TBRF is often endemic, but imported cases can occur globally.
- Diagnosis typically relies on clinical presentation and microscopic identification of spirochetes.
Observation:
- A case of TBRF was reported in England, contracted during travel to Cyprus.
- The patient presented with symptoms consistent with relapsing fever.
- The causative organism was identified in bone marrow aspirates.
Findings:
- This report details the first successful diagnosis of TBRF confirmed through bone marrow examination.
- Spirochetes, the causative agents of relapsing fever, were visualized in bone marrow specimens.
- The case highlights the potential for TBRF importation into non-endemic regions.
Implications:
- Bone marrow examination is a viable diagnostic method for TBRF, especially when peripheral blood smears are negative.
- Increased awareness and diagnostic preparedness are crucial for managing imported vector-borne diseases.
- This finding contributes to understanding the clinical and diagnostic spectrum of TBRF in imported cases.